A Battersea chef is one of 40 finalists shortlisted for Curry Chef of the Year.

Abdul Hafiz, of Khan Restaurant in Lavender Hill, could become one of the ten winners recognised at the Bangaldesh Caterers Association’s (BCA) awards ceremony on November 19.

He was selected from a panel of judges to compete in a live cook-off last week (October 16) after more than 1,000 applicants were whittled down to 40.

The will be ten award winners selected from different regions across the United Kingdom at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster.

Kamal Yakub, president of the BCA, said: “We are proud to showcase the talent of our chefs, who come from around the UK’s curry houses and takeaways. They work hard in our local areas, serving local communities, and now it’s their time to shine and put themselves on the map!

“But this is an industry in crisis. We have a shortage of chef skills, which is why this cook off is important. It’s nurturing the next generation of chefs.”